BYD Shark 6 PHEV Previewed in Thailand – Malaysia Next?

Previewed at the ongoing Thai Motor Expo 2024 is the RHD version of the BYD Shark 6 PHEV pick-up truck. (Photo credit: ThinkerCar)

The 2024 Thailand International Motor Expo (TIME) kicks off this week, and we’ve already witnessed a slew of new and upcoming models making their ASEAN regional debut in the northern neighbouring Kingdom. Besides the Geely EX5 (the EV, not the moped), visitors to TIME 2024 are also shown the right-hand drive (RHD) version of BYD’s long-awaited electrified pick-up truck, the BYD Shark.

What’s unique about this RHD Shark model displayed here at TIME is that it carries a slightly different nameplate from its counterpart in other overseas markets, as the model will be called the BYD Shark 6 in the Thai market when it is ready to be launched. With that being said, yes, this is just a mere preview of this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pick-up truck, with no pricing and variant details given by BYD during the show.

As the brand’s midsize PHEV pick-up truck fighter, the Shark (or Shark 6, in this case) is powered by the off-road version of BYD’s DM-i PHEV powertrain setup, known as the DM-o (‘o’ for off-road).

Said PHEV setup comprises a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor juiced by a 29.58-kWh battery pack. Combined, the whole setup is good for up to 436 PS and 650 NM, allowing the Shark 6 to blast from 0-100 KM/H in an impressive 5.7 seconds while boasting an all-electric range of up to 100 KM, at least according to the more lenient NEDC standards.

Despite its eye-opening power output, the Shark 6 may not be a stellar workhorse like some of its diesel-powered competitors, as the PHEV truck can only tow up to 2,500 KG, which is about 1,000 KG less than what a Toyota Hilux can pull. Payload capacity is also limited to only 835 KG as opposed to the Hilux’s 1,000 KG, although both models get the same wading depth performance at 700 MM.

Performance aside, the Shark 6 might have an edge against some of its more utilitarian competitors on the interior front, as the PHEV truck gets a pretty hi-tech cabin featuring tons of tech and comfort amenities. Key highlights include a large 15.6-inch central infotainment display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch head-up display, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, to name a few.

As we mentioned earlier, BYD has yet to unveil any pricing details regarding the Thai-spec BYD Shark 6, but given that the PHEV pick-up truck already made its Thai public debut, launch is indeed imminent. So, Malaysia when?